Places to go

Dotted throughout the North York Moors are bustling market towns and picturesque villages with warm welcomes and intriguing local tales from smugglers to industrious monks.

Timeless stone-built villages nestling in peaceful dales score highly on charm while also being living records of human habitation. Hutton le Hole is a big favourite, with its pristine green and tinkling streams, Thornton le Dale is pretty as a picture, while Goathland is probably our most famous (the ‘Heartbeat’ and 'Harry Potter' village).

On the North York Moors' coast, undisputed best day-out for beachcombing is Runswick Bay, explore the old smugglers’ haunt and fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, and get creative in arty Staithes,

Cropton

Quietly tucked away on the edge of the Tabular Hills and Cropton Forest, Cropton village has one wide main street lined with stone houses and cottages leading to the church. There’s also the New Inn pub which has revived the village’s heritage for beer making with its own microbrewery.

Danby and Lealholm

As you dip down the steep hillsides from the vast openness of the higher moorland into the gentler reaches of the Esk Valley, the villages of Danby and Lealholm are like a big welcome hug.

Farndale

With the River Dove gently meandering through the valley, the patchwork of pastures and woodland sandwiched between wilder moorland on either side, and just two tiny hamlets, Church Houses at the top and Low Mill at the bottom, Farndale knows how to do peaceful.

Glaisdale, Egton Bridge and Egton

Nestled within the beautiful Esk Valley, the hillside village of Glaisdale, and its nearest neighbours Egton Bridge and Egton, might not take up much room on a map but together they boast more than their fair share of eclectic attractions.

Goathland

At first sight Goathland may seem to be all about open moorland and sheep wandering freely through the village as they graze the common. But rather than simply passing by on the way to the coast, it’s worth spending time here to uncover more.

Grosmont

Grosmont (pronounced 'Growmont') was once a hive of industry but is now a peaceful village huddled in the Esk Valley. Soak up a slice of railway nostalgia, glimpse the wildlife reclaiming land once dominated by industry or simply enjoy quiet Esk Valley walks.

Helmsley

There’s a contented cheeriness about Helmsley. Whether that’s due to a strong community spirit, the beautiful historic surroundings or simply happy people, but the National Park’s only market town feels inviting as soon as you reach the impressive market square.

Hutton le Hole, Appleton le Moors and Lastingham

With a meandering beck and white picket fence ‘zipping up’ a wide expanse of undulating grass, edged by beautiful stone cottages, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Hutton le Hole has always been described as a picturesque village.

Osmotherley

The handsome village of Osmotherley on the western edge of the North York Moors has long been associated with walking. Be enthralled by Osmotherley’s religious story, appreciate walking on ancient rights of way, or enjoy far-reaching views across to the Hambleton and Cleveland Hills.

Pickering

Pickering is one of the area’s oldest towns, founded in 270 BC. A busy market town on the edge of the North York Moors, its handsome streets, tucked-away alleys and quiet corners are ripe to explore. It's best known for its heritage railway, but it has other local attractions.

Ravenscar

The first thing you notice about the peaceful hamlet of Ravenscar, which is positioned on a 600-foot high headland, are the exhilarating views that go on for miles as your gaze follows the sweep of coastline towards Robin Hood’s Bay.

Robin Hood's Bay and Boggle Hole

You can feel the history of Robin Hood’s Bay as you wander from the top of the village down the steep street towards the beach. Discover a rich smuggling and maritime history, beautiful beaches and cliff top views.

Rosedale and Rosedale Abbey

The pretty village of Rosedale Abbey acts as a curtain raiser to the beautiful sweep of valley where the dramatic u-shaped moorland ridge hems in a patchwork of fields. Walk through the Land of Iron, be inspired by internationally acclaimed glassmakers or simply enjoy being close to nature.

Runswick Bay

With its beautiful curve of sandy shoreline, recognised as one of Britain's best beaches, Runswick Bay doesn’t need to do anything too showy; after all the beach is the main act. Wander and unwind on the beach or make the most of the bay’s sheltered waters.

Saltburn by the Sea

Explore the quirky town, make the most of the accessible beach or indulge in Saltburn's famous fish and chips.

Staithes and Port Mulgrave

With snickets called Gun Gutter, Slippery Hill and Dog Loup, you just know the village of Staithes will be brimming with character and historical quirks. Venture up onto the clifftops and follow the Cleveland Way National Trail to the hamlet of Port Mulgrave.

Thornton le Dale

You might find there’s something familiar about Thornton le Dale as you stroll through the picturesque village, passing the tiny triangular green, duck pond and pretty cottages beside the babbling beck. Soak up vibrant village life, find tranquil walks or let woodland work its magic on trails through Dalby Forest.

Whitby

Visitors flock year-round to Whitby, the most atmospheric town along the Yorkshire coast. The famous Whitby Abbey ruins on the clifftop and cobbled Georgian old town below form a beautiful backdrop to days on the sandy beach or strolls around the vibrant harbour.